Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, 1998
This document has been commissioned by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India
and prepared by the M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai.
Sources of Information
Besides the text sources cited, inputs from over
30 Indian
Institutions and individuals have been used
in the preparation of this document.
IMPLEMENTATION OF ARTICLE 6 OF
THE CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
IN INDIA
NATIONAL REPORT
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
1998
Table of Contents
FOREWORD
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN INDIA FROM LOCAL TRADITIONS TO
FORTIFIED NATIONAL POLICIES
1.0
CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
IN INDIA CORNERSTONES
o Traditions and Lifestyles
o Pre-CBD Initiatives
o Other Conventions and International Agreements dealing with Biodiversity
III
IV-VII
VIII
1
2.0 CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE POLICY
o National Biodiversity Conservation Strategies
0 In situ Conservation
0 In situ on-farm Conservation
o Action Plan and Programmes
o Identification, Creation of Databases and Monitoring of India’s Biodiversity
o Coastal and Marine Biodiversity
o Island Biodiversity
o Forest Diversity
o Mountain Biodiversity
o Wetland Biodiversity
o Desert Biodiversity
o Microbial Biodiversity
0 Conservation Prioritisation
o Research and Training
o Public Education and Awareness
o Impact Assessment and Minimising Adverse Impacts
6
6
9
15
27
27
32
32
33
34
35
36
36
36
36
38
39
3.0
ACCESS TO BIORESOURCES, BENEFIT SHARING AND INCENTIVESS
o Access to Bioresources and Indigeneous Knowledge
o Equity and Benefit Sharing
o People’s Participation and Incentives
41
41
42
4.0 INTEGRATING BIODIVERSITY CONCERNS IN SECTORIAL PROGRAMMES
o Government Sector
o Non Government Sector
o Academic Sector
0 Commercial Sector
46
47
49
50
52
5.0
53
SUMMARY OF SOME MAJOR ASPECTS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF ARTICLE 6
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
55
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
58
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
MINISTER
ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS
INDIA
FOREWORD
It is almost five years since the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) came into force in December
1993. The world is now alive to biodiversity issues as never before.
The deep rooted conservation ethos of India is vividly reflected in our ancient texts which promote respect
for co-existence with nature and sustainable utilisation of natural resources. The ratification of the
Convention on Biological Diversity in February 1994 by India was a formal recognition of the principles
offered by the Convention for forging closer international cooperation in the conservation and sustainable
use of biological diversity.
It gives me immense satisfaction to release India’s first National Report detailing progress made in the
implementation of the CBD. This Report highlights India’s policies and programmes on conservation and
sustainable use of biodiversity including those on benefit sharing. The Report also elucidates efforts made
towards integrating biodiversity concerns in
and cross-sectoral programmes.
We are confident that the sharing of experiences through National Reports with other parties will immensely
help in meeting the challenges and realising the benefits offered by the Convention for the perpetuation of
evolutionary processes and maintenance of life-support systems on the earth.
20 November, 1998
New Delhi
SURESH P. PRABHU
Executive Summary
India is one of the 12 megadiversity countries in the world. Around
organisms, plants and animals have been described in the country till date.
species of micro-
2. India has had a long history of conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. National
strategies and plans for the conservation, sustainable and equitable use of biological diversity are
rooted in the long and rich spiritual and cultural traditions of the country.
3. Environmental protection and conservation of natural resources emerged as key national priorities in
India in the wake of the 1972 Stockholm Conference on Human Environment. At this Conference,
the Prime Minister of India forcefully stated that “the environment cannot be improved in conditions
of poverty. Unless we are in a position to provide employment and purchasing power for the daily
necessities of the tribal people and those who live in and around our jungles, we cannot prevent them
from combing the forests for food and livelihood; from poaching and from despoiling the vegetation.
How can we speak to those who live in villages and slums about keeping the oceans, the rivers and
the air clean when their own lives are contaminated at the source?”
4. Between the Stockholm Conference and the Rio Earth Summit in June 1992, India developed an
organisational structure and a legal and policy framework for the protection of environment and wildlife
in the country, keeping in mind the need to simultaneously address the issues of poverty alleviation and
natural resource conservation.
5. A Department of Environment was established in 1980, and was made a full fledged Ministry of
Environment and Forests
in 1985. Until 1980, the environment and forests of India were the
concern of the Department of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Agriculture, respectively.
6. In June 1992, the National Conservation Strategy and Policy Statement on Environment and
Development was brought out by
to lay down guidelines for integrating environmental
considerations into India’s process of development.
in 1993 launched the Environment
7. As a follow-up of the UNCED 1992 and Agenda 21,
Action Programme. The Environment Action Programme aims at improving the environmental services
in India and facilitating integration of environmental considerations in developmental programmes
across different sectors.
8. India is one of the earliest signatories of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and became
Party in early 1994.
has been designated as the nodal Ministry for CBD in the country.
9. India has taken important steps in developing new strategies and further strengthening the existing
strategies for effective conservation and sustainable use of its biological diversity. Various systems and
approaches for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity have been evolved by
Government, Non-Government
institutions and local communities.
10. In 1994
published a document entitled “Conservation of Biological Diversity in India: An
Approach”. The purpose of the document was to disseminate useful information on the subject of
biological diversity and to share the Indian experience on conservation and sustainable management
of biological diversity with the international community.
11. After India became Party to CBD,
held wide-ranging consultations with sector-al Ministries and
Departments of the Government of India, State Governments,
experts, technical institutions
and other stakeholders to delineate policies and programmes for further action, in order to consolidate,
adapt and augment existing strategies for conservation and sustainable use and initiate new programmes
based on a sound co-ordinated policy for future actions. The result of these consultations has been
a framework National Policy and Action Strategy on Biological Diversity which is being further
consolidated and pursued for
assisted project to consolidate and detail this
is visualised.
12. As a result of key areas identified in the Draft National Policy and Action Strategy, in February 1997,
sponsored a National Workshop on Capacity Building in taxonomy in India. As a result, an
All India Co-ordinated Project on Taxonomy has been developed. Avenues for funding the project
are being explored.
13. Systematic surveys of flora and fauna of the country covering all the ecosystems started with the
establishment of the Botanical Survey of India in 1890 and the Zoological Survey of India in 1916.
70% of the country’s land area has been surveyed and around 45,000 species of micro-organisms and
plants and 8
species of animals have been described till date.
14. It has been estimated that another 400,000 species may still exist in India undescribed. A majority of
these can be micro-organisms and invertebrates. Institutional support in the assessment of biological
diversity in little known organisms such as micro-organisms and invertebrates is provided by Botanical
Survey of India, Zoological Survey of India, National Institute of Oceanography, Central Marine
Fisheries Research Institute, Indian Agricultural Research Institute and Institute of Microbial Technology.
15. Since the 1980s the Botanical Survey of India and Zoological Survey of India have brought out Red
Data Books on endangered plants and animals following the IUCN guidelines. An exercise for
validation of the status of such species in the country has been initiated. In addition to initiatives by
the Botanical Survey of India and Zoological Survey of India, Non Governmental Organisations are
actively involved in programmes of conservation prioritisation to assess the status of species in India.
on conservation assessment have so far covered medicinal plants, mangroves, soil invertebrates,
freshwater fish, amphibians, reptiles and mammals.
16.
has also sponsored workshops on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Medicinal Plants,
Industries involvement in the Conservation
Sustainable Use of Biological Diversity and Conservation
and Sustainable Use of Coastal and Marine Biological Diversity. An All India Co-ordinated Project
on Coastal and Marine Biological Diversity is also being developed.
17. As per the Coastal Zone Regulation Notification of 1991, coastal zone management plans have been
prepared by all coastal states and Union Territories. The Government of India has set up Standing
Committees for monitoring development in fragile ecosystems such as islands. Development Authorities
under the Chairmanship of the Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission review the progress of
implementation and impact of the programmes in the aforesaid areas.
18.
situ conservation through a system of Protected Areas included 75 National Parks and 421 Wildlife
Sanctuaries covering a total area of 146, 000 sq. km. The total area covered by
has been
at present 85 National Parks covering
sq. km and 448
increased since 1993. There
Wildlife Sanctuaries covering
sq. km representing the major biogeographic provinces of
India and covering 4.2% of the total land area, The total extent of Protected Areas include 5
designated as World Heritage Sites, 9 Biosphere Reserves and 6 Ramsar sites, besides 23 Tiger
Reserves.
19.
ex situ conservation of biological diversity in India started with the establishment of
Botanic and Zoological Gardens. The Government of India has set up a number of gene banks for
the ex situ conservation of plants and animals. Largest amongst these are the National Bureau of Plant
V
Genetic Resources, the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, the National Bureau of Fish
Genetic Resources (of Indian Council of Agricultural Research) and the Tropical Botanical Garden and
Research Institute.
20. As early as 1982, Department of Environment launched an All India Co-ordinated Research Project
on Ethnobiology to identify and document indigenous knowledge of biological diversity uses in the
country. Based on the experience gained, India is working on appropriate and effective models of
benefit sharing. The models for strengthening the in situ conservation traditions by sharing the derived
benefits with the local communities are being developed in the government, NGO and private sectors.
One such model is being tested with the
tribe of Kerala.
2 1. The Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India has initiated since 1993 a comprehensive
ten year programme in southern India across the States of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra
Pradesh and Maharashtra for in situ conservation of the medicinal plants diversity in the Western and
Eastern Ghats. This medicinal plants conservation network is aimed at conserving the natural resources
used by traditional communities.
22. The earliest
effort in regeneration, sustainable use and management of degraded forests
with the active involvement of the primary stakeholders is however the Participatory Forest Management
initiated by the State Forest Department of West Bengal in 1972. Following the success of this model,
the Government of India has expanded the Participatory Forest Management Strategy to the rest of
the country. This is now being implemented by the State Governments in most parts of the country.
This strategy secures rehabilitation of degraded areas, conservation of biodiversity along with sharing
of benefits with local people. Social and economic incentives to rejuvenate and conserve biodiversity
are the important aspects of the strategy.
23. The approach of identifying and actively involving stakeholders in natural resource management is
being seen as an effective and essential strategy for conservation and sustainable use of biological
diversity. The framework National Policy and Action Strategy on Biological Diversity of the
Government of India recognises the importance of involving the stakeholders including women, in
conservation policies and programmes.
24. Government is developing a national legislation to regulate access to biological resources, sustainable
use of these resources and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of their use. The legislation will
help achieve the three basic objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity viz. conservation,
sustainable use and equitable sharing of benefits derived from such use. A draft Plant Varieties Act
has been prepared for consideration by the Ministry of Agriculture, which inter
recognises and
seeks to protect the interest of the traditional rural and fanning communities, who have made significant
contributions to the conservation and enhancement of genetic diversity particularly at the intra-specific
level.
25.
has set up an Environmental Information System (ENVIS) to collect and disseminate
information on the conservation and management of biological resources in selected regions of the
country to researchers and the public through a network of 21 centres in the country. ENVIS also
serves as the National Focal Point of the Clearing House Mechanism of the Convention on Biological
Diversity in India.
26. In 1994, the Government of India, under the Environment (Protection) Act, issued the Environmental
Impact Assessment notification by which Environmental Impact Assessment is mandatory for 29
selected sectors while undertaking developmental projects.
27. As a nodal agency,
functions with a number of institutions as major partners for developing and
implementing national strategies on conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. These
partners include ministries, state government departments, universities and other academic institutions,
autonomous institutions, womens’ organisations and
28. In August 1998
organised a National Consultation on the proposed legislation on biodiversity.
29. India’s policies are designed to make the conservation of nature and natural resources the concern of
all citizens of the country. Under the system of democratic
of responsibilities enshrined
in constitution amendment No.73 of 1993, local bodies consisting of elected representatives, one third
of whom are women, have been entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding the local environmental
capital stocks. It is hoped these steps will lead to biodiversity conservation and enhancement becoming
a people’s movement.
Biodiversity Conservation In India From
Local Traditions to Fortified National Policies
Tradition
Colonial
Age-old conservation practices
Conservation principles laid down by Gautama Buddha
Conservation principles outlined in Arthasasthra
System of Reserved Forests
Indian Forest Act
Protected Areas
500 B.C
321-297 B.C.
1927
1935
Post Independence
Conservation principles in First Five Year Plan
National Forest Policy
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act
Wildlife (Protection) Act
Stockholm Conference on Environment and Development
National Wildlife Action Plan
42nd Amendment of the Constitution of India
Ratification of CITES
Department of Environment
Forest (Conservation) Act
Ratification of
Convention
All India Co-ordinated Project on Ethnobiology
Ministry of Environment and Forests
Amendment of Forest (Conservation) Act
Amendment of National Forest Policy
Rio Earth summit
National Conservation Strategy and Policy Statement on
Environment and Development
1950
1952
1960
1972
1972
1973
1976
1976
1980
1980
1981
1982
1985
1988
1988
1992
1992
Post CBD
Environment Action Programme
High level Advisory Body: National Environmental Council
Ratification of CBD
as nodal agency for CBD
EIA notification
Consultation on Biodiversity amongst SAARC,
and
other developing countries
Draft National Action Plan on Biodiversity
All India Co-ordinated Project in Taxonomy
National Environment Appellate Authority Act
Capacity 2 1 programme
Inter-ministerial Task Force to develop Biosafety Protocol
GEF General Assembly
1993
1993
1994
1994
1994
1994
1997
1997
1997
1997
1997
1998
is
countries
Its geographic position, extent
both
and
and the
varied
climate and topographies have given rise to
namely the Tram-Himalayan,
Himalayan,
Desert, Semi-arid,
Peninsula (including the Eastern
Plain, Northeast India,
and Islands. Each
these biogeographic
is
ecosystems and species
organisms. Around
species
organisms, plants and animals have
date. Estimates by
suggest that there
be
400,000 species yet to be
identified.
large number
would be
micro-organisms and invertebrates.
living
capable
of unilateral love; they provide shade even to the
who comes
Buddha.
has a great diversity of people and
cultures. The
population of nearly one
people represents over
with as
traditions.
sustainable
and equitable sharing of benefits
have been part of the traditional life styles and
the people. This is reflected
forms
worship, rituals, food habits, philosophy
and culture.
1.3 In ancient India, efforts were oriented
towards the preservation of nature. For instance,
Kautilya’s Arthasastra (321-297 BC) clearly laid
down principles for protecting wild elephants. It is
stated that “in the extreme limit of the country,
elephant forests, separated from wild tracts shall
be formed. The superintendent of elephant forests
with the retinue of forest guards shall not only
maintain the upkeep of the forests, but also acquaint
himself with all passages for entrance into or
exit from such of them as are mountainous or
boggy or contain rivers or lakes. Whoever
kills an elephant shall be put to death......”
Widespread reverence not only for elephants, but
also tigers, cattle, monkeys, snakes and plants
still exist.
1 . 4 Reverence for plants and animals in India
guided traditional people to even sacrifice their
lives to protect biological diversity (biodiversity). A
number of such instances where men and women
have sacrificed their lives have been recorded in
Indian history. The case of the
sacrificing
their lives to prevent the destruction of trees by
loggers drew world wide sympathy. Another well
known movement is the ‘Chipko’ (i.e., ‘hug the
trees’) in the Garhwal district of Uttar Pradesh.
This movement was in protest of logging and the
local women expressed this by hugging the trees
that were earmarked for felling.
1.5 Traditional conservation efforts in India went
beyond individual species. Representative patches
of major ecosystems that were preserved as sacred
forests/groves, ponds, rivers, mountains and caves
can be seen all over the country. In India there has
been widespread awareness of the conservation
and management of sacred groves.
1.6
Traditional farming practices identified,
domesticated and preserved a wide range of plants
and animals which gave rise to the rich heritage of
agrobiodiversity. Women exchanging farm
conserved seeds at the time of important ceremonies
is a widespread practice throughout rural India.
Seasonal dietary practices/restrictions, closed
periods of animal harvests, taboos on hunting
animals are prevalent to a large
measure in the country.
1.7 There are
many local traditions for conserving
and enriching biodiversity which are yet to be
chronicled. Indian tradition has nevertheless paved
the pathways for all formal and institutionalised
efforts in conserving biodiversity in the country.
Conservation directives in India are sensitive not
only to biodiversity per se, but also to the rich
traditions that weaved human lives in the country
with its plants, animals and other living and nonliving resources.
Initiatives and Efforts
1.8
India’s rich tradition of natural resource
conservation has given rise to several informal and
systems of in situ conservation. situ
conservation of biodiversity in India became
organised and institutionalised gradually During
the colonial period, the system of Reserved Forests
was established. This system however, isolated the
local humans from natural areas.
1 . 9 In Independent India, the need to conserve
biodiversity integrating the needs of people was
identified as a priority even in the early years of
planning and development. This finds mention as
early as 1950 the first Five Year Plan.
1.10 The Government of India as early as 1952,
enunciated the National Forest Policy with the aim
of conserving a third of the forest cover in the
country. The key issues that governed the
formulation of this policy are,
The need for evolving a system of balanced and
complimentary land use under which each type of
land is allotted to that form of use, under which
it would produce most and deteriorate least.
The need for checking denudation in
mountainous region on which depends the
perennial water supply of the river system whose
basin constitutes the fertile core of the country,
the erosion progressing space along the treeless banks of the great rivers leading to ravine
formation and on vast stretches of undulating
wasteland depriving the adjoining fields of their
on coastal
fertility and the invasion of
tracts and the shifting of sand dune more
particularly in the Rajputana desert.
establishing tree
wherever
possible for the amelioration of physical and
climatic
promoting the general well
being of the people.
The need
ensuring
increasing
supplies of
wood
implements and in particular of
release
cattle dung for manure step
production.
The needs
other
sustained supply of timber and
and industry.
The need for the
revenue in perpetuity
of the needs
of maximum
with the
The
(Protection) Act, 19‘7% was
the first major step taken by the Government of
India to protect wildlife in the country. The
of the Act was
was
to specifically assess,
and
rehabilitate prime tiger habitats in
Subsequently,
National
Plan,
specified the strategy and
wildlife
a n d
conservation of
t h e
resources in the context of
emerged as key
in India in the wake
the 1972
Human
At this
conference the
Minister of India
stated that “the
be improved in
conditions of poverty.
we are in a position
provide
and purchasing power for
necessities of the
people and those
the
who
in
jungles, we cannot prevent
them from combing the forests
and
poaching and
despoiling
vegetation.
can we speak those who live
in villages and slums about keeping the oceans, the
rivers and the air clean
their
are
contaminated at the
Between the Stockholm Conference and
developed a
stable
environment and
wildlife protection in the country. India’s concern
and commitment towards
conservation were
in
by the
Amendment of the Constitution of India.
under the Directive Principles
State Policy
and Article IA(g) of the Fundamental Duties in
the
state that ‘the State
to protect and improve
environment and
safeguard forests and wildlife in the country’ and
‘ts protect and improve the natural environment
including
to have compassion
rivers
the
wildlife,
creatures’.
a Department of
was set up.
this time environment and forests
were
concern of the Ministry of Agriculture
set out the parameters under which
operates
to formulate and carry out environmental policy at
the national level. The Forest (Conservation) Act
was amended in 1988 to include provisions to
allow certain developmental activities in and around
forest areas.
and the Department of Science and Technology.
The Forest (Conservation) Act, which came into
force in 1980 had stringent provisions for preventing
diversion of forest land for any other purpose. In
1985, the Department of Environment was
as a full fledged Ministry of Environment and
Forests. The Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986
Important Acts Relevant to Biodiversity
The Indian Forest Act, 1927 is a colonial legislation enacted mainly to enable the State to acquire
ownership over forests and their produce and, specifically to facilitate trade and timber. The concern
here is not on forest biodiversity but on controlling and regulating the timber trade.
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, amended in 1983, 1986 and 1991, provides for the protection
of wild plants and animals and regulates hunting, trade and collection of specific forest products.
Certain tribes are however allowed to pick, collect or possess specified plants for their
personal use. The revised Act also provides a licensing system to regulate cultivation and trade of
specified plants in a pattern similar to the trade in fauna. Licensees are required to declare their
stocks and follow prescribed procedures.
The National Wildlife Action Plan, 1973, identified broad goals of establishing a network of
representative protected areas and developing appropriate management systems which take into
account the needs of local peoples and conservation requirements outside protected areas. The
National Forest Policy, as amended in 1989, stressed the sustainable use of forests and the need
for greater attention to ecologically fragile, but biologically rich, mountain and island ecosystems.
The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, amended in 1988 primarily deals with using forest lands for
non-forestry purposes, mainly industry and mining. It requires state governments to acquire the
approval of the central government before it degazettes a reserved forest, leases forest land to a
private person or corporation, or clears it for the purpose of reforestation. Implementation of this
act has reduced the annual rate of diversion of forest lands for non forestry purposes to 16,000
hectares a year, compared with 150,000 hectares per year prior to 1980.
The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, empowers the central government to take appropriate
measures for the purpose of protecting and improving the environment. It is authorised to lay down
standards for controlling emissions and effluent discharges of environmental pollutants, to regulate
industrial locations, to prescribe procedures for managing hazardous substances, to establish
safeguards for preventing accidents, and to collect and disseminate information regarding environment
pollution. In accordance with this act, the central government has issued a number of regulations
affecting sectors such as hazardous and chemical wastes, genetically engineered micro-organisms,
and industrial development of coastal zones.
The Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, is designed to stimulate sustained
economic growth and enhance the technological strength and efficiency of Indian agriculture, industry
and services. The central government regulates the import and export of goods by means of a
Negative List of Imports or a Negative List of Exports, depending on the situation. Import and
export are prohibited/restricted through licensing or routed through specified agencies. Provisions of
the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) are
also implemented through this act.
4
1.15 A number of outstanding changes have
occurred in the Indian economy over the last three
decades. Rapid growth of Indian population has
resulted in extensive demands of food, fodder,
fibre, fuelwood, etc., The mounting pressure on
natural resources led to revision of the National
Forest Policy of 1952 in 1988. The revised Forest
Policy emphasises the need to restore ecological
balance and the conservation of the country’s
natural heritage by preserving the remaining natural
forests. This objective is sought to be achieved
through the prevention of soil erosion and
denudation in the catchment areas, the restriction
of the growth of desert areas, and the evolution of
a system to meet the requirements of fuelwood,
forest products and small
fodder,
timber for the rural and tribal population. Such
felt needs set the stage for establishing the
National Afforestation and Ecodevelopment Board
(NAEB). This is an important body set up to
help the Government of India to achieve the
aforesaid objectives of the National Forest
Policy.
Other Conventions and International
Agreements dealing with Biodiversity
1.18 India acceded to the Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Flora and Fauna (CITES) in 1976. The enforcement
of CITES is the responsibility of the Member
States who are required to establish management
and scientific authorities for the purpose. On behalf
of the CITES Secretariat, data on world trade in
wildlife are collected and analysed by the Wildlife
Trade Monitoring Unit
which is part of
the IUCN Conservation Monitoring Centre in
Cambridge, UK. The WTMU also receives and
analyses relevant data and information from
WWF, TRAFFIC offices in different countries. On
initiative from IUCN, WWF and Government of
India TRAFFIC India has been established.
India became party to the Ramsar
Convention in October 198 1. Two important
mandates of the Convention are that the Parties
o
designate at least one wetland in their territory
for the list of wetlands of international
importance and to conserve the ecological
characteristic of the same and
o
make wise use of all wetlands in their territory
whether or not they are designated for the
Ramsar list by developing National Wetland
Policies.
1.16 A number of legislations, policies and
programmes were initiated which directly or
indirectly serve to protect, conserve and sustainably
use the country’s biological resources. Underlying
the policy statements is the recognition of the
principle that effective management and control of
natural resources require the support and
participation of the local people. The National
on
Conservation Strategy and Policy
Environment and Development, 1992 outlined the
specific means through which environmental
considerations could become a significant part of
the developmental process.
1 . 1 7 There was a felt need to clearly establish
priorities in the environment, forest and other
sectors and design a programme of action
for sustainable management of the environment
in the country. This need arose on account of
the changing economic structure of India on
the one hand, and the national and global
consensus for integrating environmental
considerations into developmental programmes
and projects for sustainable development on
the other.
1 . 2 0 In accordance, India
Lake (116,500 ha.),
National Park (2900 ha.),
ha.), Harike Lake (4,100
(2,873 ha.) and Loktak
as Ramsar Sites.
has designated Chilka
Keoladeo Ghana
Wular Lake (18,900
ha.), Sambhar Lake
Lake (26,600 ha.)
1.21 Under the U. N. World Heritage
Convention, India has declared Kaziranga NP,
Wildlife Sanctuary,
Keoladeo Ghana NP,
Nanda Devi NP and Sunderban NP as World
Heritage Sites.
1 . 2 2 India is a signatory to the BOM Convention
on Migratory Species, the Framework Convention
on Climate Change, the U. N. Convention on the
Convention.
Law of the Sea and the
2.0 Conservation and Sustainable Use Policy
responsibility of implementing CBD in the country.
a number of other ministries,
as major
departments, institutions and
partners for developing and implementing national
strategies on conservation and sustainable use of
biodiversity.
National Biodiversity Conservation
Strategies
2.1 The Union Ministry of Environment and
Forests
of the Government of India has
been designated the Nodal Agency with the
Major Programmes of the Ministry of Environment and Forests
Survey of natural
resources
Activities
Organisational Set-up
Areas of Emphasis
0 ZSI
o BSI
o FSI
0
o Floral/fauna1 surveys by
o EIA on Ecology
wildlife
o Forest survey by FSI
o Centres of Excellence
o Universities and other organisations
Conservation of natural
resources
o Central Zoo Authority
o Project Tiger
o Project Elephant
o National Parks and Sanctuaries
o Biosphere Reserves
o National Committee on Coral
Reefs, Mangroves and Wetlands
o Indian Board of Wildlife
o National Committee for Biosphere
Reserves
o Nature interpretation centres for
education on wildlife
Environmental Impact
Assessment
o
Monitoring/prevention
and control of pollution
o
o
Expert committees for different
sectors
o Designation of Wetlands under
Ramsar Convention
o MAP for Wetlands/Coral reefs/
Mangroves
o Assistance to Botanic Gardens
o NFAP for Forestry
o Forest fire control
o Protected area network
o Project Tiger
o Assistance to Zoological Parks
o Eco-development
o Environmental clearances
Regulatory notifications for fragile
areas
o Carrying capacity studies
o Monitoring of EIA conditions
o Training in EIA
o
o Monitoring Air/water quality
o Vehicular pollution control
o Environmental standards
o Action plans for polluting
industries
o World Bank assisted industrial
pollution control project
0
o Clean technology for SSI
o Bio-monitoring of river Yamuna
o Monitoring water quality of
6
Management of
hazardous
substances
Action Plan
Activities
Set-up
Areas of Emphasis
o Research Projects for
handling/treatment of HSM
o Committees and expert groups
0 Central crisis group
for managing HSM
o
o Assistance to States for
studies in respect of HSM sites
o Training for household disposal of
wastes/sanitation of urban slum
dwellers
o National River Action Plan
0 Infrastructure for sewage/effluent
treatment in towns
o Monitoring of industries along
river
o Epidemiological studies
o Pollution abatement in
Gomti
o
Afforestation and
Eco-development
o National Afforestation and
Eco-development Board
o State Forest Departments
o Village Forest Protection committees
Research on natural
resources
o ICFRE institutions
o Conservation of non-wood forest
produce
o Development of forest/pasture seeds
o Aerial seeding
o Integrated wasteland development
project
o World Bank assisted NSFP
o Afforestation schemes in
Haryana with Japanese/EC
assistance
Fuel wood/fodder development
projects
o Seed development
o Assistance for NGO projects for
afforestation
o Mapping of wastelands and GIS
o Western Ghats forestry projects
with U.K. assistance
o National fund for afforestation
o Regional centres for project
evaluation
o Eco-task force
Support for research projects under
Western Ghats
projects
o Research projects for conservation
and management of wetlands/
mangroves/biosphere
o Support for plywood research and
wood substitution programmes
o
IGNFA
o GB Pant Inst. of Himalayan
environment and development
Environmental Education o Paryavaran Vahini
o CPR environmental education
and Awareness
centre, CEE
Programme
o SPCBs for strengthening manpower
Source
Public awareness education
1993)
7
National Environment Awareness
Campaign
o Assistance to centres of excellence
o
Some of the Programmes relevant to Biodiversity Conservation which are handled by Other
Ministries and Departments of Government of India
Agriculture
All India Co-ordinated Research
Project
o Bureaus of genetic resources
o Fisheries Research Support
o Agricultural Colleges/Educational
Institutions
o Small Farmers Agri-business
consortium
o State Land Use Boards
o
o Watershed Development Programme
o Agricultural Research
Education
o
agriculture in National
Watershed Development Project
o Western Ghats Development Project
0 Soil Conservation
o Bio-fertilisers
o Schemes for women participation in
agriculture
o Integrated Pest Management
0
o
o
0
o
Water Resources
Rural Development
Activities
Set-up
Ministry/Departments
o
National Wasteland Development
Board (NWDB)
NWMP
Flood Control Programmes
People’s participation in irrigation
R&D in Water resources
planning
o Jawahar Rozgar Yojana
o DPAP
o
Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking
Water Mission for rural water
o Waste land development projects of
NWDB
Energy/Coal
o Solar Energy Centre
o Energy Development Agencies
o R&D for energy plantations and
agricultural waste utilisation
o Training for Environmental
Management of Power Projects
o R&D for
of waste
disposal
o Environment improvement of Urban
Slums
o Urban basic services
o Integrated development of small
and medium towns
o NCR for Delhi
0 Low cost sanitation
small towns
water supply schemes
Urban Development
8
Organisational
Science and Technology
o Department of Bio-technology
o Department of Ocean Development
o Technology Information, Forecasting
and Assessment Council
o National Centre for Medium Range
Weather Forecasting
o Indian Vaccine Corporation Ltd.
o Bio-technology Consortium Ltd.
o CSIR Organisations
In
1
o
in Bio-technology
o National facilities for germ plasm
collection
o Technologies absorption/adoption
scheme
o Transfer and trading in technology
scheme
o Support for Research and
Development
Support for Information Services
0 Support for Infra structure
development
o Support for Capacity Building
o Hill area development programme
o Desert Development Programme
Special area
development/Regional
programmes
Source
Activities
Set-up
(1993)
Conservation
Institutionalised efforts at
conservation
of endangered animals were initiated in the country
about 20 years ago with the launching of Project
Tiger. An all-India tiger census conducted in 1972
revealed that there were only 1,827 tigers in the
country as against an estimated 40,000 at the turn of
the century. Taking this as an indication of the
deteriorating health of India’s wilderness, the
Government of India launched the Project Tiger in
1973 with the support of WWF-International. Twenty
three
in the country have been designated as
Tiger Reserves. The 1993 census placed the tiger
population at 3750.
has initiated the 1997
tiger census which is currently ongoing.
2 . 2 Institutionalised management of biodiversity
in situ started with the establishment of the first
National Park in the country, the Hailey NP (now
Corbett NP) in 1935. Following this, more than
300
were set up representing a wide range of
ecosystems. The Wildlife Institute of India proposed
a biogeographic classification system
ten zones divided into 25 provinces in which over
300 landforms were identified. The existing network
of
was evaluated for its representativeness
vis-a-vis the classification system. Sites were
identified to fill the gaps and the suggested network
recommended 148 National Parks and 503
Sanctuaries covering 15 1,000 sq. kms which is
about 4.6% of the country’s total geographic area.
These suggestions have found extensive support
and already 4.2% of the total geographical area
(excluding the open seas) has been brought under
the system of Protected Areas (PAS). Currently
there are 85 National Parks covering
sq. km and 448 Wildlife Sanctuaries covering
sq. kms in the major biogeographic
zones of India. The total
of
includes 5
designated as World Heritage Sites, 9 Biosphere
Reserves and 6 Ramsar sites.
The tiger has not been the only beneficiary
a number of other endangered species such as the
swamp deer, elephant, rhino and wild buffalo have
received protection through Project Tiger. This
programme has thus had a direct impact on
conservation of biodiversity. The enhanced
programmes introduced in the second phase of
Project Tiger include the establishment of guidelines
for tourism in tiger reserves, management of buffer
areas, integration of local populations through
development programmes and establishment of
Nature Interpretation Centres.
9
Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks
1
National Parks
Sanctuaries
State/Union Territory
Total No.
Area (sq. km)
Total No.
Andaman and Nicobar
Islands
94
372.15
8
900.77
Andhra Pradesh
21
11832.54
4
372.23
Arunachal Pradesh
9
6177.45
2
2468.23
Assam
8
990.58
2
Bihar
19
3881.75
2
567.32
4
355.18
1
107.00
Gujarat
21
16970.16
4
479.67
Haryana
10
342.65
1
1.43
Himachal Pradesh
30
4702.87
2
1295.00
15
10157.67
4
3900.07
Kamataka
20
4238.21
5
2471.98
Kerala
12
2143.36
3
536.52
Madhya Pradesh
32
10567.05
11
6485.72
Maharashtra
25
13995.49
5
958.45
Manipur
1
184.85
2
81.00
Meghalaya
3
34.21
2
267.48
3
560.00
2
250.00
Nagaland
3
24.41’
1
202.02
Orissa
18
6214.96
2
1212.70
Punjab
6
294.82
0
0
Rajasthan
22
5662.87
4
3856.53
4
92.1
1
850.00
Tamil Nadu
17
267 1.03
5
401.63
Tripura
4
603.62
0
0
Uttar Pradesh
29
8 107.52
7
5429.83
West Bengal
15
1055.55
5
1692.65
1
2.18
and Kashmir
and Diu
Delhi
13.20
Chandigarh
25.42
Dadra and Nagar Haveli
Lakshadweep Islands
Pondicherry
Total
Source
448
85
1997)
12
Area
km)
The Indian National Gene Bank
0
India is the original home of over 160 plant species including numerous major crops like rice,
fruits and vegetables and spices. In addition, a large number of crop plants introduced here
in remote past have been naturalised and diversified.
0
The importance of safeguarding genetic resources has been
by India in its
allocation of resources of the development of the Indian National Gene Bank (INGB). In
1996, a new building for the INGB became operational. The completed facility has provided
long term storage for nearly 1.5 million samples of seeds or cultures.
0
India’s gene bank is managed and operated by the National Bureau of Plant Genetic
Resources. Its functions include collection of indigenous germplasm, preservation of seeds
and other propagules, seed increase and maintenance for distribution and exchange, and the
safe keeping of duplicate germplasm holdings of other organisations.
0
The INGB handles the genetic resources of nearly 200 cultivated plants and their wild
relatives. Refrigerated modules currently store over 160,000 seed samples of different crops
at
(Base collection). In addition, cryotanks using liquid nitrogen
hold some
1250 samples of small-seeded crops, gametes and embryonic axes. Tissue culture is used
to preserve other vegetatively propagated material (850 samples covering 25 genera). This
capacity for preservation of genetic material has been increased several fold in the new
facility for the INGB.
2.25 The INGB conserves
o
primitive cultivars and land races of cultivated
crops and vegetables associated with traditional
agriculture and inbred lines of released hybrids
0
released varieties and any survivor varieties
wild species closely related to crop plants and
o
genetic stocks and populations having desirable
genes.
Germplasm Facilities
the need for sophisticated facilities for research and development and providing
services, the following additional germplasm facilities have been set up:
The National Facility for Microbial Type Culture Collection at the Institute of Microbial
Technology, Chandigarh, with over 1,600 cultures in its stock.
The National Facility on Blue Green Algal Collection at the Indian Agriculture Research
Institute, with over 500 strains and several pure cultures as well as soil-based cultures, which
have been supplied to farmers for production of biofertilisers.
The National Facility for Marine Cyanobacteria at the Bharatidasan University,
which is co-ordinating extensive surveys on the southern coast.
iv)
The National Facility for Plant Tissue Culture Repository at NBPGR, New Delhi, which has
undertaken in vitro conservation of germplasm (seed, pollen in vitro culture) over the medium
and long term, particularly for those species for which conventional methods are inadequate. It
has 650 accessions of crop species and employs molecular methods of
and
classification.
v)
The National Facility for Laboratory Animals at the Central Drug Research Institute,
and the National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad have made available quality animals for
biomedical research and industry in the country.
an autonomous institution under
vi) The National Facility for Animal Tissue and Cell Culture,
Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has 1127 stock cultures comprising 594 different cell
strains. The facility has supplied 401 culture consignments to 84 institutions throughout the
and genomic libraries.
country. It also has 50 vectors,
Three National Gene Banks for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants at the Central Institute of
Medicinal and Aromatic Plants,
and the NBPGR, New Delhi, both for the northern
region; and the Tropical Botanical Garden and Research Institute, Trivandrum, for peninsular
India have been established. These banks will conserve important species of proven medicinal
value, which are
as endangered, threatened or rare, are used extensively in
traditional systems of medicine, are difficult to propagate, have significance for R&D for the
future, and are of commercial value. India is the regional co-ordinator for Asia and also the
overall co-ordinator for the establishment of Gene Banks of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
among G 15 countries.
viii) The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology has been undertaking the development and
maintenance of DNA profiles.
23
2 . 2 6 The Department of Biotechnology supports
ex situ conservation efforts through research
programmes on germ plasm facilities, tissue culture
pilot plants, biocontrol agents, biofertilisers,
bioprospecting, clean technologies and
bioinformatics.
2.27 Three national gene banks have been
established under the G- 15 Gene Banks for
Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Initiative: the Central
Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, NBPGR
and
2 . 2 8 One of the well known NGO initiatives in
ex situ conservation of plants is
which
has centres established in important biogeographic
areas of the country such as the Garhwal Himalayas,
the Deccan and the Western Ghats.
Gene Banks have also been established by
like MSSRF and TERI. The Community Gene
Bank of the MSSRF has facilities for medium term
cryopreservation of seeds, for the purpose of
serving as a reference centre for
the
contributions of tribal families in the conservation
and improvement of local food grains.
National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR)
India abounds in fish genetic resources that inhabit its river systems, wetlands, coastal areas and
marine zones. Out of nearly 20,000 documented fish species of the world, 2200 fin fish species have
been recorded in India from cold fresh waters of upper stretches of the Indus, the Ganges and the
Brahamaputra (73 species), warm waters of its 14 major river systems draining the plains (544
species), brackish waters of estuarine areas (143 species) and marine waters of the three
surrounding seas (1440 species). Twenty seven species are considered to be rare/endangered/
vulnerable.
The NBFGR, located at
and administrated by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research,
is devoted to the conservation and sustainable utilisation of fish diversity in India with a mandate that
includes:
0
0
collection, classification, and evaluation of information on fish genetic resources of India;
genotypes;
0
maintenance and conservation of fish germplasm in collaboration with other centres;
0
conservation of endangered species; and
0
monitoring the introduction of exotic fish species in Indian waters.
in India include 45,000 micro-organisms and
plants and 8 1,000 animals.
efforts
India’s biodiversity
in identifying and
began during the later half of the 19th century.
Surveys of flora and fauna of the country
started with the establishment of the
Botanical Survey of India (BSI) in 1890 and
the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) in 1916.
The BSI today functions with 9 circle offices and
the ZSI with 16 regional stations distributed
throughout the major biogeographic divisions of
India has over 400 million cattle which is
the world’s largest population. However, the milk
yield per animal is still very low. There is also
heavy demand for grazing land leading to the
under-nourishment of the cattle. Efforts are being
made to improve the quality of cattle livestock
while at the same time control the overall numbers
thus minimising their impact on the environment.
Institutions such as the National Bureau of Animal
Genetic Resources have played a key role in this
initiative.
Cryopreserved Germplasm of Indian Cattle and Buffalo Breeds
Cattle Breeds
Herds (No.)
Organised Breeding
Stations (Nos.)
Sahiwal
10
Red Sindhi
18
Tharparkar
Frozen semen
Banks/Bull (Nos.)
Breeding
Bulls doses
Available Frozen
semen (000s)
15
80
3
13
25
7
3
3
2
Gir
5
5
15
Hariana
18
5
21
54
Kankrej
5
27
5
Ongole
2
6
7
1
Malvi
10
1
2
11
1
1
2
7
50
12
300
540
Nilli Ravi
2
8
17
Surti
8
80
160
Jaffarabadi
3
10
31
Mehsana
5
42
19
Nagori
BUFFALO
Murrah
Source NBAGR, Karnal.
26
Endemic Species
Plants
No. of species
Pteridophyta
4950
Angiosperms
Animals
No. of species
Protozoa
Parasitic
550
Free Living
90
9
Lepidoptera
Mollusca
967
Freshwater
Land
Pisces
Freshwater
64
Marine
14
Amphibia
123
Reptilia
182
Aves
60
44
Source
ZSI
BSI
2.31 Many autonomous institutions and
expanded the knowledge base of India’s
biodiversity resources. The Society houses one of
India’s largest collections of preserved plants and
animals, in non-government sector. Also, noteworthy
is the strong foundation that the BNHS laid for the
science of studying Indian birds. The small mammal
survey and the bird ringing programmes initiated by
BNHS early this century are the earliest of the
systematic efforts at monitoring any component of
biodiversity in the country in the non-government
sector. Some other
including Centre for
Ecological Sciences, MSSRF and FRLHT have
added to our knowledge base of plants. Other
have provided taxonomic service in the
study of amphibians and reptiles.
universities have contributed to the identification
and documentation of biodiversity. Important
amongst these is the School of Entomology at the
St John’s College, Agra. Besides the pioneering
work done on the high altitude Himalayan insects,
the institution has also served as the largest facility
in India for taxonomic capacity building in
entomology in the country. State and regional floras
have been identified,
and documented
by the Centre for Taxonomic Studies (Bangalore)
and Rapinat Herbarium (Tiruchirapalli). Both these
facilities are affiliated to the network of St Joseph’s
colleges. Centres for Advanced Studies (CAS) in
different Universities in botany, zoology and marine
biology established by the University Grants
Commission (UGC) have added significantly to the
knowledge of India’s flora, fauna and microorganisms both in the land and seas.
2.33 International institutes in India such as the
French Institute in Pondicherry and ICRISAT in
Andhra Pradesh provide support in the identification
and monitoring of biodiversity. The French Institute
in collaboration with the respective State Forest
Departments has published detailed vegetation maps
2.32 The Bombay Natural History Society
(BNHS) during its over 100 years service has
28
Research Institute, Sugarcane Breeding Institute,
Central Rice Research Institute and others besides
maintaining large collections of live plant and
animal germplasm, have identified and
the genetic variations in these accessions.
Although the primary focus of these bureaus and
research institutions is on the
conservation
of plant and animal genetic resources, a wide
network of in situ on-farm conservation facilities
have also been established throughout the country.
Further, these institutions periodically conduct
surveys in the remote and biodiversity rich parts
of the country as that of the Eastern Himalayas,
Western Ghats and islands to collect, identify and
conserve plant and animal genetic resources.
The Central Government has established a
number of Active Germplasm sites in agricultural
universities and research stations all over India to
document and conserve genetic variation in
cultivated plants.
for most parts of the country. These maps are
being increasingly used in monitoring habitat quality
in the country. The French Institute also serves as
a source of information on the flora of the Western
and Eastern Ghats. ICRISAT focuses on the
identification and cataloguing of agrobiodiversity in
semi-arid tropics.
Identification, cataloguing, creation of
databases and monitoring have largely been at the
level of species. Efforts
identify and build
databases below the level of species in the past
have primarily focused on domesticated biodiversity
and agrobiodiversity. Institutions such as the
National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources
(NBPGR), National Bureau of Animal Genetic
Resources (NBAGR), National Bureau of Fish
Genetic Resources (NBFGR), Indian Institute
of Spices Research, Indian Institute of
Horticultural Research, Central Plantation Crops
India’s National Active Germplasm (NAG) Sites
No. of accessions
NAG site
Wheat
Directorate of Wheat Research, Karnal
18,000
Rice
Central Rice Research Institute,
42,000
Maize
Directorate of Maize Research
Indian Agricultural Research Institute
2,500
Barley
Directorate of Wheat Research, Karnal
11,030
Sorghum
National Research Centre for Sorghum
Rajendranagar, Hyderabad
5,160
Pearl millet
All India Co-ordinated Pearl Millet
Improvement Project, College of Agriculture
Shivajinagar, Pune
2,794
Small millet
All India Co-ordinated Small Millet
Improvement Project, College of Agricultural
Sciences, Bangalore
8,572
Pulses
Indian Institute of Pulses Research,
Soybean
National Research Centre for Soybean, Indore
2,500
Directorate of
Research
Rajendranagar, Hyderabad
15,629
National Research Centre on
Kanpur
9,310
Mustard, Bharatpur
8,082
Groundnut
National Research Centre for Groundnut Timbawadi, Junagarh
6,432
Sugarcane
Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore
3,979
Central Institute for Cotton Research, Nagpur
Cotton
Jute and allied fibres Central Institute for Jute
Allied Fibres, Barrackpore
6,896
3,226
Vegetables
Directorate of Vegetable Research, Varanasi
16,139
Potato
Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla
2,375
29
Continued
No. of accessions
NAG site
Forages
Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi
6,267
Spices
National Research Centre for Spices, Mar’ikunnu, Calicut
2,847
Tobacco
Central
1,500
Plantation crops
Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kasargod
307
Medicinal and
aromatic plants
All India Co-ordinated M
NBPGR, New Delhi
375
Agro-forestry
National Research Centre for Agro-Forestry, Indian
Grassland
fodder Research Institute, Jhansi
40
Fruits (semi-arid)
National Research Centre on Arid Horticulture, Bikaner
541
Fruits (sub-tropical
temperate)
NBPGR Regional Station, Phagli, Shimla
454
Fruits
Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore
13,118
Citrus
National Research Centre for Citrus Seminary Hills, Nagpur
51
Fruits (northern)
Central Institute for Horticulture for Northern Plains,
587
Tuber crops
Central Tuber Crops Research Institute Sreekariyam, Trivandrum
3,586
Pseudo-cereals
NBPGR Regional Station, Phagli, Shimla
3,682
Source
Research Institute, Rajamundry
AP Improvement Project,
R.S. (1995) Conservation of Plant genetic resources in India, NBPGR.
Over the centuries, India has also selected,
bred and conserved a number of breeds of animals.
In an effort to preserve the genetic diversity in
domesticated animals, all these breeds have been
and a list of the threatened breeds in
the country has been prepared for further action.
List of Threatened Breeds of Animals in India
Species
Breed
Cattle
Hissar
Yechuri
Kerala
Place of Origin
Hissar and
areas of Haryana
Sikkim, Nepal, Bhutan and adjoining hilly tracts
Buffalo
Ferozepur district of Punjab
Mithun
Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Tripura and Manipur
Yak
Ladakb, Panni, Lahul,
Goat
Jamunapuri
Garhwal and Sikkim
Etawah district and Chambal ravines
Gurdaspur district of Punjab
Su rti
Gujarat and Maharashtra
Chengu
Mountainous ranges of
of Kashmir Valley
Changathangi
Mountain ranges of Himalaya, Tibet and Ladakh
Black Bengal
West Bengal, Bihar and Orissa
Barbari
Agra and Aligarh districts of Uttar Pradesh
Malabari
Kerala
Zanskar, Tibet Plateau and Upper ranges
Osmanabad in Andhra Pradesh
Marwari
Marwari district of Rajasthan, Mehsana district of Gujarat
30
Continued
Species
Sheep
Place of Origin
Breed
Nilgiri
Tamil Nadu
Mandya
Kamataka
Magra
Rajasthan
Punjab
Marwari
Rajasthan
Patanwadi
Gujarat
Deccani
Maharashtra
Uttar Pradesh
Gaddi
Himachal Pradesh,
and Kashmir and Hills of Uttar Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh
Horse
Chennai Red
Tamil Nadu
Hissar Dale
Hissar Haryana
Zanskari
Ladakh
valley in Himachal Pradesh
Camel
Bhutia
Sub-Himalayan tract from Punjab to Darjeeling and along the Tibet Border
Manipuri
Manipur and Assam
Marwari
Rajasthan and Gujarat
Kathiawari
Rajasthan and Gujarat
Double humped
Ladakh
Andhra Pradesh
Poultry
Kadaknath
Jhabua and Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh
Chagus
Andhra Pradesh and Kamataka
Maharashtra and Gujarat
Miri
Source
Assam
National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal.
of different groups of biota, both recorded
and potential.
The need for further strengthening the
taxonomic capacity in the country has been
highlighted time and again. It has been felt that such
capacity should be built throughout India in a
manner. In February 1997,
sponsored a National Workshop on Capacity
Building in Taxonomy in India, with the following
main objectives.
0
To identify and inventory micro-organisms.
0
To strengthen taxonomy curriculum in
universities.
At this workshop, the experts emphasised
the need for identifying centres of excellence in
taxonomic research and launching an “All India
Co-ordinated Project” to fill the gaps in knowledge.
has already initiated the work relating to
launching an All India Co-ordinated Project,
identification of centres of excellence, creation of
chairs in universities and databases on experts in
taxonomy. A project has already been developed.
Funding avenues for the project are being explored.
To discuss the importance of taxonomy in
biodiversity conservation and sustainable
development planning.
To review the present status of taxonomic
research in India.
To assess the level of trained personnel
available
the tasks involved in case
31
2.40
2.38
ZSI and BSI have contributed primarily to
knowledge of estuarine biodiversity. The regional
station of ZSI in Behrampur, Orissa has surveyed
the Chilka Lake, Mahanadi estuary, Hooghly estuary
and the Godavari estuary. Further south, the
estuarine flora and fauna have been extensively
studied and documented by the Centre for
Advanced Studies in Marine Biology, Annamalai
University in Parangipettai.
recently
concluded a study on the status of sea grasses
throughout the country.
The Government of India through
and partners has launched a series of programmes
for inventorying and monitoring India’s biodiversity.
Important programmes being implemented by the
BSI, ZSI, Forests and Fishery Survey of India are
given below.
0
Ecosystem Surveys Himalayan, Forests,
Marine, Islands, Deserts, Mangroves, Wetlands
and Coastal
0
Species Diversity Surveys
every major group of biota
0
Biosphere
Conservation Area Survey
Reserves, Project Tiger Areas, Marine Protected
Areas, Large National Parks and Wildlife
Sanctuaries
0
Inventory of forest resources of India
0
Vegetation maps of India
0
Biannual reporting of forest cover of India
0
Bamboo area estimation including growing
stock
0
Forest species composition in 10 cm diameter
class interval.
0
Estimation of fish resources within the EEZ of
India and
0
Monitoring landing data of major commercially
important species.
State Level for
2.41 The Madras
Science Foundation, an NGO,
has conducted studies in the Krishna and Cauvery
estuaries amongst others in south India. NIO and
M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF)
have independently and collaboratively carried out
extensive studies on the mangroves of the west and
east coasts respectively. MSSRF has developed
and maintained a database on Indian mangroves.
Databases containing general information on marine
fauna and flora are available with NIO, CMFRI,
ZSI and BSI. The Annamalai University with the
support of
is also developing a database on
Indian Mangroves.
2.42
Coastal and Marine Biodiversity
National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA)
and such facilities in universities and institutions have
launched a number of programmes to monitor India’s
coasts with the aid of satellites. Data thus generated
have been used to monitor coastal vegetation,
shoreline changes and movements of fish.
2.39
2.43
GEF supported programmes to conserve
and monitor coral reefs in the Andaman and Nicobar
Islands and the Gulf of Mannar have been initiated.
The major institutional support system that
India has in identifying, creating databases and
monitoring coastal and marine biodiversity is that
provided by the National Institute of Oceanography
(NIO), a Council for Scientific and Industrial
Research (CSIR) institution in
Central Marine
Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI)
institution with a few Regional Stations in the
coasts and islands) and ZSI. Maritime fauna1
explorations are undertaken by ZSI stations in Port
Blair, Chennai, Calcutta and
The Dhiga
station has also initiated the first National Marine
Aquarium for public in the country. Institutional
support in the identification and documentation of
coral reef biodiversity has been provided by NIO,
ZSI and CMFRI.
Island Biodiversity
2.44
Island ecosystem in India is broadly of two
types: coraline as that of Lakshadweep in the
Arabian Sea and submerged mountaintops
harbouring tropical rainforests as in the Andaman
and Nicobar Islands, Bay of Bengal. Submerged
land mass between India and Srilanka has given
rise to a set of islands in the Gulf of Mannar where
coral reefs are distributed. Of the three groups of
islands, rainforests and associated endemic island
biodiversity is found only on the Andaman and
Nicobar Islands.
32
To develop and implement a broad planning
approach to the conservation and wise use of
aquatic ecosystems in India.
and IMTech, several academic and research
institutes and industries are engaged in exploring
microbial diversity of agroecosystems, forest
ecosystems, mangrove ecosystems, and others.
To raise awareness throughout India and at all
levels, of the functions and values of aquatic
ecosystems.
2.62 The agroclimatic zones of India and the
distribution patterns of agroecosystems are expected
to render a rich microbial biodiversity profile. Lack
of adequate expertise and funding support to
establish a network of laboratories in all agroclimatic
zones have been identified as major gaps.
To reinforce the capacity of institutions
throughout India to achieve conservation and
wise use of the nation’s aquatic ecosystems.
To ensure the conservation and management
of all protected aquatic ecosystems in India.
Conservation Prioritisation
To give protected area status to major aquatic
ecosystems which are currently unprotected.
2.63 Efforts have been undertaken from time to
2.59 In India there are hot and cold deserts.
Inventorying and monitoring biodiversity in the cold
deserts is primarily being undertaken by WII. The
most comprehensive studies in the past have been
of migratory birds by BNHS. Biodiversity in the
hot deserts in India is being inventoried and
monitored by ZSI and the Central Arid-Zone
Research Institute (CAZRI) in Jodhpur.
Considerable knowledge has been gained through
these facilities on the reptiles, birds and mammals
of the hot deserts.
time in assigning conservation priorities to
biogeographic zones, ecosystems and species. The
Wildlife Institute of India in 1988, prepared a
major plan for identifying areas of highest
conservation priority and developing a network of
protected areas throughout the country. In 1990,
the Indian Institute of Public Administration
completed a detailed study of status of protected
areas in India highlighting conservation priorities.
More recently, in 1997, WWF-India with the
financial aid of the Biodiversity Support Program
(USA) sponsored a countrywide project on
conservation prioritisation of ecosystems and
habitats. As part of this initiative, the Zoo Outreach
Organisation, an NGO, in collaboration with
SACON is conducting Conservation and
Management Plan (CAMP) workshops to assess
the status of species in India. CAMPS have so far
been conducted on medicinal plants, mangroves,
soil invertebrates, freshwater fish, amphibians,
reptiles and mammals.
2.60
2.64 Since the 1980s BSI and ZSI have brought
To expand international and regional cooperation in conservation and wise use of
aquatic ecosystems.
To mobilise the financial assistance necessary
for conservation and wise use of aquatic
ecosystems.
Desert Biodiversity
Many other institutions including the
Saurashtra University (Rajkot) and Aligarh Muslim
University have contributed to the monitoring of
desert
An autonomous institute, Institute
for Desert Ecology has recently been set up in the
state of Gujarat.
out Red Data Books on endangered plants and
animals following the
guidelines. These are
being validated by cross verification against the
existing databases and in the field and the information
is being updated. More specifically, SACON in
collaboration with the Birdlife International has
initiated the process of preparing a Red Data
Book exclusively on Indian birds.
Microbial Biodiversity
2.61
Assessment of microbial biodiversity has
largely been carried out by the Indian Agricultural
Research Institute (IARI) and the Institute of
Microbial Technology (IMTech). Besides IARI
Research and Training
2.65 In
India, research and training in taxonomy
and systematics were offered by many institutions
36
accessed through e-mail. ENVIS functions as a
National Focal Point and a Regional Service Centre
for the South Asian Sub Region Countries for
INFOTERRA network,. a global information
network of the UNEP. ENVIS has also been
designated as the National Focal Point of
Sustainable Development Network Programming
of UNDP. ENVIS serves as the Clearing House
Mechanism for CBD in India. It maintains a close
liaison with other national information systems like
National Information System on Science and
Technology (NISSAT) and Biotechnology
Information System (BTIS).
specially for supporting biodiversity research
throughout the country.
Public Education and Awareness
2.69
The Supreme Court of India has ruled that
each day, seven minutes of broadcast time on the
national television network should be devoted to
environment related programmes. MoEF has set
up an Environmental Information System (ENVIS)
to collect and disseminate information to researchers
and the public through a network of 21 centres in
the country. Twelve of these centres can be
National Environmental Awareness Campaign
The National Environmental Awareness Campaign (NEAC) was started by MoEF in 1986
for creating environmental awareness at all levels of the society. Twenty seven organisations
located throughout the country have been designated as Regional Resource Agencies for
assisting MoEF in this campaign. Besides helping MoEF, these Agencies are also responsible
for monitoring and evaluating the activities conducted by the various organisations under the
NEAC.
A large number of NGOs, schools, colleges, universities, research institutions, women and youth
organisations, army units, State Government Departments and others throughout the country are
provided financial assistance for conducting a variety of public awareness programmes. Diverse
target groups ranging from students, youth, tribals, rural populations, professionals and others are
reached through the campaign.
2.70 MoEF interacts actively with the University
Grants Commission (UGC), National Council of
Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and
the Ministry of Human Resources Development
(MHRD) for introducing and expanding
environmental concepts and issues in the curricula
of schools and colleges. In the area of formal
education, the National Policy on Education, 1986
stresses on creating consciousness about the
environment. NCERT has been assigned the
responsibility of developing a prototype syllabi and
instructional material in ten core curricular areas, of
which protection of environment is one. The Ministry
of Human Resource Development has launched
the Environment Orientation to School Education
scheme, wherein special cells are created in the
state departments ofeducation for environmental
education. Support is also extended through this
cell to NGOs to facilitate the development of
locale-specific programmes and materials.
2.71
Some of the initiatives taken by MoEF in
promoting Environment Education and Awareness
(EE&A) through non-formal media and methods
are :
38
0
The National Environmental Awareness
Campaign.
0
Establishment of Centres of Excellence in
Environmental Education.
0
Establishment of National and Regional
Museums of Natural History.
0
Setting-up of Eco-clubs in Schools.
0
Production and dissemination of Films, AudioVisual and Popular Publications on
Environment.
0
Supporting organisation of Seminars, Symposia
and Conferences on Environmental Issues.
0
Institution of Awards and Fellowships.
0
Establishment of ENVIS Centres.
major effort to educate farmers and rural
communities about CBD is that of the Indian
Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, through its
network ‘Honey Bee’.
Impact Assessment and minimising
adverse impacts
2 . 76 In 1991, MoEF issued a notification under
2 . 7 2 The Paryavaran Vahini scheme was launched
the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, for the
protection of the coastal areas, declaring coastal
stretches as ‘Coastal Regulation Zones’ (CRZs)
and regulating activities in the CRZs. Following the
notification, all coastal States and Union Territories
have prepared their respective Coastal. Zone
Management Plans (CZMP). The Government of
India has also set up a Standing Committee of the
Island Development Authority under the
Chairmanship of the Deputy Chairman, Planning
Commission to review the progress of
implementation and impact of programme
development in the Indian islands.
by the Ministry during 1992-93 to enhance
environmental awareness and encourage active
participation of people. It encourages people to
report illegal acts pertaining to forests, wildlife,
pollution and environmental degradation. One
Paryavaran Vahini is constituted for every identified
district.
2.73 B
‘des th e training and research facilities
offered by MoEF through its Centres of Excellence
to students, teachers and NGOs, there have been
a number of initiatives by the government and
organisations such as the WWF-India for promoting
public education and awareness. Government
initiatives have been many in this regard. One such
of significance is that which made ‘interpretation
and zoos mandatory. Most
in
centres’ in
India currently have interpretation centres and
printed literature (in local languages also) for
education and awareness. CZA set up under MoEF
provides support in developing appropriate skills in
zoo education and interpretation facilities.
2 . 7 7 In 1994, the Government of India through
MoEF formally notified the Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) under the Environment
(Protection) Act 1986 and included under this 29
sectors which need to go through the procedure of
EIA before implementing their developmental
projects. However, much before this, MoEF had
made ETA mandatory to major projects that were
likely to impact the environment adversely. A few
institutions supported by MoEF such as SACON
and WII have permanently established EIA cells.
The Environmental Protection Training and Research
Institute (EPTRI) in Hyderabad undertakes
of
developmental projects. It also provides training,
consultancy, applied research and analysis services
for polluting industries.
2 . 7 4 NGOs in India have played a vital role in
raising awareness about the issues related to
environment and development, and in mobilising
people to take action. To this end, a variety of
techniques and media are being employed. Many
NGOs use traditional and folk media to
communicate messages for peoples’ action.
2 . 7 8 A national contingency plan to deal with oil
2.75 The Centre for Science and Environment
spill disasters has been prepared. India has ratified
Marpol 73/78 and adopted the provisions in the
Merchant Shipping Act.
(CSE), New Delhi has brought out four widely
circulated volumes on the state of India’s
environment, in addition to a number of other
publications. Ekalavya, Bhopal develops innovative
school programmes and teaching material.
Kalpavriksh organises awareness programmes and
carries out campaigns on specific issues. Another
2.79 The Department of Ocean Development
(DOD) designated as the nodal department to
oversee the implementation of Chapter 17 of
Agenda 2 1 has committed itself to introduce the
39
3.0 Access to Bioresources, Benefit Sharing
and Incentives
Access to Bioresources and Indigenous
Knowledge
Project on Ethnobiology (AICRPE) to identify and
document such indigenous knowledge. The first
phase of this project was completed in 1988.
During this period, 18 institutions including national
research institutes and laboratories, state universities
and local colleges were involved and about 65%
of the country’s tribal areas were covered. The
second phase launched in 1989 is still ongoing. Till
date 80% of the country’s tribal areas have been
surveyed.
3.1 Age old practices of medicinemen using
plants dating back to 1500 BC have been
documented in Indian literature. India still has a
tremendous wealth of uncoded indigenous
knowledge relating to the conservation and use of
biodiversity. DOE/MoEF in 1982 launched a
countrywide All India Co-ordinated Research
Text Sources of Indigenous Knowledge on Indian Medicinal Plants
S. No
Text Name
Time Frame
- 400 A D
No. of Citations
12301
1.
Charaka Samhita
1500
2.
Susruta Samhita
1500 BC - 500 AD
9584
3.
Astanga Sangraha
500 AD
17898
4.
Astanga Hrdayam
600 AD
9887
5.
Astanga Nighantu
800 AD
2800
6.
Paryayaratnamala
900 AD
2577
7.
Dhanvantari Nighantu
200 AD - 1000 AD
3155
8.
Cakradatta
1075 AD
15976
9.
Dravyagunasangraha
1075 AD
529
10.
Madhavadravyaguna
1250 AD
1054
II.
Sarngadhara Samhita
1300 AD
5482
12.
Nigantu Sesa
1200 AD
3427
13.
Siddhamantra
1210 - 1247 A D
1275
14.
Hrdayadipaka Nighantu
1260-1271 AD
1323
15.
Madasnapala Nighantu
1374 AD
2562
16.
Bhavaprakasa
1550 AD
15180
17.
Bhavaprakasa Nighantu
1550 AD
2253
18.
Raja Nighantu
1700 AD
7365
19.
Saligrama Nighantu
1896 AD
6452
20.
Siddabhesajamanimala
1896 AD
813
Source :
Before CBD, India’s biodiversity resources
were formally protected by the Indian Wildlife
(Protection) Act -1972. Although this Act has
been amended for the third time in 1991, it still
does not cover the entire gamut of genetic resources,
especially of plants and micro-organisms. While a
number of vertebrates, invertebrates and plants
declared as endangered and categorised under
Schedule I in the Wildlife Act or in the CITES
Appendices enjoy certain levels of protection, most
animals and plants can be collected and transported
within and outside the country without much
restriction. This is true of even crop genetic
resources.
41
local communities as well as to develop forests for
improving the environment. In order to implement
the policy prescription, MoEF issued guidelines in
1990 to involve the village communities in the
development and protection of degraded forests
on usufruct basis. The concept of PFM was
accordingly initiated and endorsed by all States
and Union Territories for operationalising the same
by developing appropriate mechanisms. So far, 18
states have issued their resolutions for PFM. As
per reports received from nine states, 4.05 million
ha of degraded forests in the country are being
managed and protected through approximately
40,300 village Forest Protection Committees
(FPC).
People’s Participation and Incentives
3.11 The earliest institutionalised effort in the
regeneration, sustainable use and management of
degraded forests is the Participatory Forest
Management (PFM) that was initiated by State
Forest Department of West Bengal in the early
70s. This experiment that was started on 1272 ha
area was managed by a Forest Protection
Committee (FPC). The monetary returns from the
experiment was shared by the Forest Department
with the families that were involved. At the end of
1989, reports have placed the number of FPCs
at 1200 together managing a total forest
area of 152,000 ha which amounts to 37% of
the forest area within the western circle of West
Bengal.
3.13 To encourage people, institutions,
communities, men and women to contribute to
rehabilitation and conservation of elements of
biological diversity, and reward excellence and
achievement in these, several incentives and awards
have been instituted by the Government.
3.12 The
National Forest Policy, 1988 envisages
people’s involvement in the development and
protection of forests to fulfil the objectives of
providing fuelwood, fodder and small timber to
Participatory Forest Management in West Bengal: The Arabari experiment
At a small research station at Arabari in Midnapore district of West Bengal, experiments were being
conducted on sal, teak, eucalyptus, and other timber species. Efforts to study the growth and
regeneration of trees were failing because local people kept grazing their cattle on the research plots
and cutting the saplings for self consumption or sale. Frustrated by the constant disruptions, the forest
officer began meeting with the local people of the surrounding villages to explore the possibility of
After extensive discussions, it was concluded that any effort to protect
obtaining
and regenerate forests had to address the connection between poverty and deforestation. Further
consultations with the village people led to a new arrangement guaranteeing their continued access
to non-timber forest products (NTFPs), for example, fruit, leaves, mushrooms, twigs and fodder
grass for consumption and for sale to generate household income. Also local people would receive
a portion of the revenue from the harvest of the sal forests after they had regenerated.
After these initial discussions, the Arabari experiment (Socio-economic Forestry Project) in the east
Midnapore forest division was initiated in 1972 with the following broad objectives:
l
l
provide employment to forest fringe dwellers
allow them to collect subsistence products from the forests
give them the right to a portion of the sale proceeds from the harvest of the forest rehabilitated
with their co-operation.
Approximately 1,272 ha of degraded government forests were selected for revival in 11 revenue
villages. About 500 families with the total population of 2500 agreed to participate in the programme.
In 1987-88,97 ha of the sal forest were harvested. After the operational expenses were paid to the
forest department, a total of Rs. 604,887 was distributed to 618 families (@ Rs. 979 per family).
Source : Samar Singh et
(1997).
44
3 . 1 4 Commencing from 1983,
have
aided institutions in eco-development for biodiversity
conservation. Subsequently there have been
programmes implemented by the State Forest
Departments for social forestry and
development in and around Protected Areas in
selected parts of the country with the financial aid
of international agencies such as SIDA, OCEF
(Japan) and ODA (UK). Currently World Bank/
GEF have sponsored a programme on ecodevelopment in seven
with the participation of
the local communities. This is an attempt to mitigate
the impact of
on people and vice versa. The
programme is being implemented by the respective
state forest departments. Initiatives on the
sustainable harvest of Non-Timber Forest Produce
have been taken up by several institutions
and
throughout the country.
Incentives: recognition and awards
1. Indira Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra (Friend of
Awards
pioneering and exceptional contribution of
Six of these awards are given every year to
in the field of afforestation and wastelands development under six categories,
viz., individuals, village councils/village level institutions, educational institutions, voluntary agencies
including womens’ groups, youth groups, government agencies (district level and below) and
corporate sector. Each award carries a cash amount of Rs. 50,000, a medallion, a scroll and a
citation.
2. B. P. Pal National Environment Fellowship Award for Biodiversity
This Fellowship Award carries a grant of
significant research and development
over two years. It is given to individuals for
in the area of biodiversity.
3. Desert Ecology Fellowship
This Fellowship of Rs. 54,000 (one year’s grant) is given in recognition of Bishnoi community’s
contribution to nature conservation and to encourage studies on Desert Ecology.
4. Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Conservation Award
Two awards per year are provided to a) individuals and b) institutions. The individual
carries
a fellowship of
and a medal and the institutional award provides a fellowship of
and a trophy.
5. Dr. Salim
Study
Fellowship for Avian Biology and Kailash Sankla Award for Mammal
These awards are alternatingly offered and each award carries a monthly fellowship of Rs. 7,000.
4.0 Integrating Biodiversity Concerns in
Programmes
4.1 The National Conservation Strategy and panchayat would take up plantations of 50 seedlings
of popular demand in clusters in village common
lands. The programme would involve planting of
25 million of seedlings spread over slightly more
than 0.5 million villages of India by the 15th August
1998. A High-level Advisory Body called the
National Environment Council was set up by the
in 1993 under the chairmanship of the
Prime Minister of India for conservation and
sustainable management of biodiversity.
Policy Statement on Environment and Sustainable
Development, 1992 provides the basis for the
integration and internalisation of environmental
considerations in the policies and programmes of
different sectors. It also emphasises sustainable
lifestyles and the proper management and
conservation of resources.
Important Central Acts relevant to
Biodiversity are provided in a box (to follow).
India’s Environment Action Programme 1993,
identifies conservation and sustainable utilisation of
biodiversity in selected ecosystems as the first of
seven priorities for future action. The
capabilities in the areas of
Programmc
environment assessment, increased environmental
awareness and further facilitates the process of
association of
in the tasks of sustainable
development. The process of strengthening is
expected to further reinforce the functional areas of
the Ministry of Environment and Forests as
illustrated in the organisational chart (to follow)
which have direct bearing on Programme for
conservation and sustainable utilisation of
biodiversity. Of direct significance to the process
of biodiversity conservation is the programme for
sustainable generation of
including medicinal
plants initiated by the
and the tasks of
afforestation, tree planting and eco-restoration being
undertaken by the NAEB of the
To
celebrate the 50th Anniversary of India’s
Independence, the NAEB initiated the Swarna
Jaynti Kunj during 1997-98, whereby each village
4.3 In line with the Government of India’s
thinking on the issue of popular participation for
conservation and sustainable development, the EAP
process adopted a decentralised system of
generating information and perspectives. Consistent
with the open approach of EAP,
the nodal
agency for conducting EAP exercise, constituted
an EAP Implementation Committee comprising the
Ministries and Departments of GO1 concerned
with the different
issues to be addressed.
The biodiversity relevant activities of the
Departments of Ocean Development, Department
of Biotechnology, Department of Science and
Technology and the MPEDA coming under the
Ministry of Commerce, as have been detailed in
4.4 to 4.7 explain the rationale of the
ministerial consultation process initiated as a part
of the EAP exercise. The task of drawing up
reports was also decentralised and
assigned to non governmental institutes of
academic excellence. The research institutions
involved and the topics assigned to them are as
follows:
Name of Institute
Sector
BNHS
Conservation of Wetlands, Coral Reefs and Mangroves
Forestry
IIPA
Institutional Structures for Environmental Management Environment Education,
Conservation
Environment Impact Assessment
Natural Resources Accounting
Urban Environmental Management Strategy for Improvement of Tank Irrigation
Clean Technologies, Water Quality
Mumbai
IGIDR
Alternate Energy, Action Plan
46
Important Central Legal Instruments Relevant to Biodiversity
1.
2.
3
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
Source
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, 1985186
Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marketing) Act, 1937
Air (Prevention
and Control of Pollution) Act, 198 1
Cardamom Act, 1965
Coconut Development Board, 1979
Customs Act, 1962
Destructive Insects and Pests Act, 1914
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
Fisheries Act, 1897
Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992
Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
Import and Export (Control) Act, 1947
Import and Export Control Act, 1947
Marine Products Export Development Authority, 1972
Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1980
National Dairy Development Board Act, 1987
National
and Vegetable Oils Development Board, 1983
New Seed Development Policy, 1988
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960
Rubber (Production and Marketing) Act, 1947
Seeds Act, 1996
Spices Board Act, 1986
Tea Act. 1935
Territorial Waters, Continental Shelf, Exclusive Economic Zones and Other Maritime Zones
Act, 1976
The Indian Coffee Act, 1942
The Indian Forest Act, 1927
Tobacco Board Act, 1975
Water (Prevention
of Pollution) Act, 1974
Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 1991
(1997)
Government Sector
a document on culturable marine species
in collaboration with ZSI.
4 . 4 Concerted efforts are being made to identify
culturable species which may provide the strategy
to prevent over-exploitation of such resources from
natural habitat. Considering increasing demand of
frozen food from marine habitat, Marine Products
Export Development Authority (MPEDA) has
The Department of Ocean Development
(DOD) while supporting an All India Co-ordinated
Project on Drugs from the Ocean is also providing
funds to promote research on regeneration of
corals in the Andaman islands and sea weeds in
Mandapam in Tamil Nadu.
47
Organisation Chart of the Ministry of Environment and Forests
National River Conservation
Directorate
Divisions
National Afforestation
Eco-Development Board
Forest Conservation (Regional Office)
Forest Policy
Utilisation
Survey
Forest Fire
Forest Conservation
Central Zoo Authority
Project Tiger
Project Elephant
Animal Welfare Board
(Autonomous Bodies)
National Zoological Park
Wildlife Institute of India
(Autonomous Bodies)
Wildlife Regional Offices
Forest Research Education
Training
Forest Services Cadres Management
Services
National Museum of Natural History
Center for Ornithology
Natural History
(Autonomous Bodies)
Botanical Survey of India
Zoological Survey of India
(Subordinate Offices)
Environment Research
G B Pant Himalayan Paryavaran
Evam Vikas Sansthan
(Autonomous Bodies)
Environmental Information
Training
Center for Ecology Research
Centre for Mining Environment
l
Environment Education
l
Centre for Environment Education
C.P.R. Aiyer Environment Education
(Autonomous Bodies)
General Admn., NGO
Grievances Cell
International Cooperation
Hazardous Substances
Management
Central Pollution Control Board
(Autonomous Bodies)
Impact Assessment
48
to integrate biodiversity conservation in
programmes in the country. A directory of active
published by the WWF
environmental
recently lists 1400
spread across the country.
The area of focus of a majority of
has
in awareness building through a variety of methods
and tools. Celebration of Environment days,
propagation of environment
messages through traditional folk media, street
are some of the
plays, campaigns, and
ongoing activities.
have also played a
significant role in functioning as facilitators
the tribal and rural communities and Government
Departments. This is specially true in the case of
conservation of important landraces. Some of the
like
and
have their own
programmes for in situ conservation of crops.
Some of the
have also helped in building
the capacity of local people in the technique. Many
of the above mentioned activities are carried out
through networks.
4 . 6 The Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
supports a number of autonomous and non
government institutions in setting up facilities for
micro-propagation of endangered plants, especially
medicinal plants. DBT also co-ordinates
countrywide programmes on demonstration of
biotechnologies at the farm level and in Integrated
Pest Management.
4 . 7 The Department of Science and Technology
(DST) and CSIR have sponsored research and
development projects in the area of biodiversity
conservation throughout the country. CSIR
laboratories in the country have on-going
programmes on conservation of medicinal plants,
culturing of micro-organisms which are useful in
soil reclamation and marine biodiversity.
Non Government Sector
4 . 8 As mentioned in the previous sections of the
report, there have been a number of NGO initiatives
49
NGO Activities
Conservation
In situ
0
Sustainable Use
Access and Benefit Sharing
o Networking
0 Community co-operation
o Awareness creation
o Community-Industry linkages
Revitalizing traditions
Sacred groves (Medicinal Plants)
On-farm (Agrobiodiversity)
0
Women’s organisation
Local community
o People’s Biodiversity Registers
Kitchen gardens
(Medicinal Plants, agrobiodiversity)
Schools
Teachers
o Empowering women
Community gene banks
Policy makers
Ex situ
o Policy recommendations
Live gene banks
Germ plasm collections
Parks and gardens
0
Evaluation
linkages
Prioritisation
CAMP
Value addition
Survey
Monitoring
0
0 Information
Activism
Public hearings
Campaigns
Awareness creation
0
Research
Captive breeding
50
Academic Sector
on biodiversity inventorying in the biology text
books of higher grades of schooling.
4.9 One of the important steps taken by the
academic sector in integrating biodiversity concerns
with the existing programmes in universities and
colleges is the attempt to introduce concepts of
biodiversity in the curricula. A few autonomous
institutions have already taken this initiative. Efforts
are being made by National Council of Educational
Research and Training (NCERT) to include lessons
4.10 The existing Centres of Excellence and
Centres for Advanced Studies in Life Sciences are
being strengthened by
UGC and CSIR to
undertake research and training activities in
conservation of biodiversity. The Indian Academy
of Science and Indian Institute of Science have jointly
launched a countrywide programme called India’s
Lifescape.
India’s Lifescape Project
Recently, as part of countrywide biodiversity conservation initiatives to commemorate
the birth centenary of the late Dr Salim
India’s foremost ornithologist and conservationist,
a project has been launched by the Indian Academy of Sciences and the Indian Institute
of Science to develop simple tools to help students and teachers identify and monitor
biodiversity. This project has been called ‘India’s Lifescape’.
The main objective of the
science education. It aims
to publish illustrated accounts of
Indian micro-organisms, plants
and animals. These accounts would
high
and post graduate students
and teachers of biology reliably
these species and thereby constitute a basis for
field exercises and projects focusing on first hand observations of living organisms.
The information thus generated could feed into a countrywide system of monitoring ongoing
changes in India’s lifescape to support efforts at conservation of biological diversity, as well
as control of pests, vectors and diseases. These accounts would also help create popular
interest in the broader spectrum of India’s biological wealth.
51
Commercial Sector
4 . 1 1 Environmental Impact Assessment in India
is mandatory to all developmental projects including
those in the commercial sector. Under an agreement
on development co-operation between the
Government of India and the Government of
Sweden the Environment Protection Training and
Research Institute
was in 1991 established
as an autonomous society. This institution offers
training programmes especially to industries in the
following areas.
Environmental Impact Assessment and
Management Planning
0
Monitoring of Emissions and Effluents
0
Environmental Policy Planning and
Management
0
Safety Management and Emergency Planning
0
Toxic Chemicals and Hazardous Solid Waste
Management.
4.12
The EPTRI
provides technology for
common industrial effluent treatment, waste audit
and
biological treatment of industrial
effluents, application of microbiology in effluent
treatment and environmental quality mapping and
industrial zoning. The EPTRI has executed 49
consultancies for Central and State Governments,
World Bank, State Pollution Control Boards and
industries in environmental issues.
4 . 1 3 Besides, a number of corporate bodies in
India, which use biological resources as primary
raw material, have taken initiatives to conserve
such resources. Examples include the cocoa
germplasm collections of the Cadburys (India) Ltd,
Tea and UPASI and
the tea germplasm of the
the medicinal plant gardens of the Godrej (India)
Ltd as that in Rajasthan supported by the
State Government and Parry Agro Ltd.
4.14 Government issued a notification in 1989
entitled ‘Rules for the Manufacture, Use, Import,
Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/
Genetically engineered organisms under
the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 to
inter
safety in the development,
handling, import and export of genetically modified
organisms.
5.0 Some Major aspects of Implementation of Article 6
Article 6 of CBD stipulates that each
Contracting Party develops National Strategies,
Plans and Programmes for the conservation and
sustainable use of biological diversity or adapts for
this purpose existing strategies, plans or programmes
which shall reflect, inter alia, the measures set out
in this Convention relevant to the Contracting Party
concerned; and integrates as far as possible and as
appropriate, the conservation and sustainable use
of biodiversity in the relevant
or
plans, programmes and policies.
5.5 The role of the Non Government
Organisations in biodiversity conservation and
sustainable use has received due recognition. A
number of public hearings on environmental issues
have been spearheaded by the NGO movement in
India. Environment education and awareness
creation through a range of social mobilisation
activities has been one of the priorities of
The system of Protected Areas in India was
periodically reviewed and strengthened. The total
area was 146,000 sq. km till 1993. This has since
been increased to
sq. km. To prevent
decline in forest areas, the Forest Conservation
Act, 1980 was enacted, with the objectives of
checking indiscriminate diversion of Forest lands in
States for non-forestry purpose. Whereas 4.23
million ha. of forest land was diverted for
forestry purpose during 1950 1980, at an annual
average rate of 0.142 million ha., after 1980 the
area diverted has come down to 0.016 ha. It is to
be noted there even when diversion of forest lands
is allowed, this is subjected to stringent
environmental/ecological safeguards including
compensatory afforestation measures. So far as
against diversion of 0.43 million ha. of Forest lands
for non-forestry purpose, compensatory
afforestation of 0.55 million ha. has been stipulated.
5 . 2 India had initiated the processes necessary
for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity
much before CBD. These were reviewed and
cross-sectoral policies and actions required for
sustainable use and benefit sharing were outlined in
the National Conservation Strategy and Policy
Statement on Environment and Sustainable
Development of 1992.
5 . 3 Following the ratification of CBD, India has
taken important steps in developing new strategies
and further strengthening those existing for the
effective conservation and sustainable and equitable
use of biodiversity. Some important post CBD
developments are
0
increased awareness cutting across the different
stakeholder groups on conservation and
sustainable use of biodiversity
0
review of the existing strategies and policies
and
0
steps taken to plan and implement the insights
or recommendations emanating from the
review.
5 . 7 In 1994, the Government of India under the
Environment (Protection) Act notified the
Environmental Impact Assessment of Development
Projects to cover sectors which critically impact
the environment. Such sectors need to undertake
the procedure of EIA before implementing their
developmental projects.
5 . 8 India hosted an International Consultation on
Biological Diversity among SAARC,
and
other countries of the region in 1994 to identify
issues relating to the objectives of the Convention
brought out a
for implementation. In 1994,
document entitled ‘Conservation of Biological
Diversity in India: An Approach’, which basically
outlined the work in progress and future course of
action. A National Core Group with representation
from diverse stakeholders was then created to
To carry forward the Agenda 21 of UNCED,
India’s Environment Action Programme of 1993
identified conservation and sustainable utilisation of
biodiversity in selected ecosystems as the first of
seven priorities for future action. The Action
Programme strengthens capabilities in the areas of
environment assessment, environmental awareness
and the process of association of
in the
task of sustainable development.
53
prepare a document for actions and strategies. The
outcome of the consultation of the Core Group,
supplemented by regional workshops with local
level stakeholders, is a document entitled ‘Draft
National Policy and Action Strategy on Biological
Diversity’. After being subjected to a National
Consultation -with participation from
Ministries and Departments, State Governments,
and technical institutions, the
experts,
document is being consolidated for
The
document provides a broad framework for actions
and strategies for conservation and sustainable use
of biodiversity. Consolidation and detailing of this
document for viable action plans is
through
a
project.
5 . 1 4 Ministry of
has prepared a Draft
Law known as the ‘Plant Variety Protection and
Farmer’s Rights Act’ to inter
revitalise in situ
on-farm conservation.
has initiated steps for
the preparation of a National Biodiversity
Legislation. This proposed legislation will cover all
biological resources in India.
5 . 1 5 India has continued to be in the forefront of
all global initiatives that have culminated in various
international conventions on environment and
sustainable development. India has also been closely
associated with the GEF movement since its
inception and has demonstrated its resolve by
supporting and strengthening GEF as a major
global effort to address environmental challenges
and threats. The first meeting of the GEF Assembly
was held in New Delhi in April 1998.
5.9 The importance of safeguarding genetic
by India. In
resources has long been
1996, a new facility was established in the Indian
National Gene Bank with long term storage capacity
of nearly 1.5 million samples of seeds and cultures.
5.16
extended support to 24 projects
under the Small Grants Programme that address
conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
These projects in terms of thematic and focal areas
are 20 on biodiversity and 4 on climate change,
covering 12 States in India. Besides these are the
Bank sponsored eco-development
and the
programme currently operating in 7
grants for preparing management plans
for the coral reefs of Gulf of Mannar and Andaman
and Nicobar Islands.
5.10 In 1997 the Government of India brought
out a White Paper on Pollution in Delhi with an
Action Plan for pollution prevention and abatement
for the city.
The Government of India has enacted the
National Environment Appellate Authority Act, 1997
which provides for the establishment of a National
Environment Appellate Authority to provide an
appellate forum for cases relating to site restrictions,
developmental schemes and projects.
has the nodal agency for
implementing CBD in India, has taken the necessary
steps to develop appropriate programmes. By
identifying other ministries, departments, institutions
and
as partners,
is making every
effort to integrate the various provisions of CBD
meaningfully in the conservation, sustainable use
and equitable sharing of benefits in the country.
5.12
Based on an assessment of gap areas that
need strengthening, in 1997,
sponsored a
National Workshop on Capacity Building in
Taxonomy wherein the need to launch an All India
Co-ordinated Project was identified as a priority.
The project has since been drawn up and funding
avenues are being explored.
5.18
academics andtechnical institutions,
local people, industry and business are being actively
involved in the development of issues and working
out strategies of implementation which secure
participation of all these stakeholders.
5.13 In 1997,
launched the
Capacity 2 1 programme. As part of this programme,
a draft National Policy on Aquatic Ecosystems has
been develoned. An action nlan for the neriod
also been’ formulated: The
programme has also identified economic valuation
of biodiversity as a key to sustainable development
in India.
5.19 An Integrated Coastal Area Management
System Programme has been started which
strengthens the on-going initiatives relating to Coastal
and Marine biodiversity.
54
List of Abbreviations
ACRP
Agro-Climatic Regional Planning Approach
AICRPE
All India Co-ordinated Research Project
AWB
Asian Wetland Bureau
BNHS
Bombay Natural History Society
BOBP
Bay of Bengal Programme
BSI
Botanical Survey of India
Biotechnology Information System
CADP
Command Area Development Programme
CAMP
Conservation and Management Plan
CAR1
The Central Agricultural Research Institute
CAS
Centre for Advanced Studies
CAZRI
Central Arid-Zone Research Institute
CBD
Convention on Biological Diversity
CEE
Centre for Environment Education
CIKS
Centre for Indigenous Knowledge Systems
CITES
Convention on International Trade in Wild Species of Fauna and Flora
CMFRI
Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute
COP
Conference of Parties
CPCB
Central Pollution Control Board
CRZ
Coastal Area Regulation Zone
CSE
Centre for Science and Environment
CSIR
Council of Scientific and Institutional Research
CZA
Central Zoo Authority
CZMP
Coastal Zone Management Plans
DBT
Department of Biotechnology
DDP
Desert Development Programme
DOD
The Department of Ocean Development
DOE
Department of Environment
DOS
Department of Space
DST
Department of Science and Technology
EAP
Environment Action Programme
ECB
Environment Capacity Building
EE
Environmental Education
Environment Education and Awareness
EEZ
Exclusive Economic Zone
EIS
Environmental Information System
ENVIS
Environmental Information System
EPTRI
Environmental Protection Training and Research Institute
55
FAO
Food and Agricultural Organisation
FPC
Forest Protection Committee
FRLHT
Foundation for Revitalisation of Local Health Traditions
GBA
Global Biodiversity Assessment
GEF
Global Environmental Facility
GIS
Geographical Information System
GO1
Government of India
HSM
Hazardous Substances Management
International Agricultural Research Centres
IARI
Indian Agricultural Research Institute
Indian Administrative Service
Indian Council of Agricultural Research
ICFRE
The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education
ICIMOD
International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development
ICMAM
Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management
International Crop Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics
IDBI
Industrial Development Bank of India
Indian Forest Service
IGIDR
The Indira Gandhi Institute for Development Research
IGNFA
Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy
IGNFA
The Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy
IIFM
Indian Institute of Forest Management
IIPA
Indian Institute of Public Administration
Institute of Microbial Technology
INFOTERRA
A Global Information Network of the UNEP
The Indian National Gene Bank
IUCN
International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
KFRI
Kerala Forest Research Institute
LMO
Living Modified Organisms
MAP
Management Action Plan
MCBT
Madras Crocodile Bank Trust
MHRD
Ministry of Human Resources Development
MIDS
Madras Institute of Development Studies
Ministry of Environment and Forests
MPCA
Medicinal Plant Conservation Areas
MPEDA
Marine Products Export Development Authority
MSSRF
M S Swaminathan Research Foundation
NAEB
National Afforestation and Ecodevelopment Board
National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources
NBFGR
National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources
56
NBPGR
National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources
NCERT
National Council of Educational Research and Training
NCR
National Capital Region
NEAC
National Environmental Awareness Campaign
NEERI
National Environment Engineering Research Institute
NGO
Non Government Organisation
NIO
National Institute of Oceanography
NISSAT
National Information System on Science and Technology
Norwegian Aid Society for International Development
NP
National Park
NRAP
National River Action Programme
NRSA
National Remote Sensing Agency
NRSE
New
NTFP
Non Timber Forest Produce
NWMP
National Watershed Management Project
ODA
Overseas Development Agency
PA
Protected Area
PBR
People’s Biodiversity Register
PCRI
Pollution Control Research Institute
PFM
Participatory Forest Management
PGR
Plant Genetic Resources
SAARC
South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation
SACEP
South Asian Co-operation for Environment Programme
Renewable Sources of Energy
Centre for Ornithology and Natural History
Swedish International Development Authority
SPCB
State Pollution Control Boards
SRS
State Forest Services Colleges
Small Scale Industries
TBGRI
TERI
Tropical Botanical Garden and Research Institute
Energy Research Institute
UGC
University Grants Commission
UNEP
United Nations Environment Programme
Wildlife Institute of India
WWF
World Wide Fund for Nature
Zoological Survey of India
57
Sources of Information
(A) Published Literature
Anonymous, 1996. Report of the Karnataka Planning Board: Subgroup on Biodiversity, Bangalore.
Chaturvedi, C.K., 1981. Legal Control of Marine Pollution, Deep and Deep Publications, New Delhi.
Indian Institute of Spices Research, 1997. Plant genetic resources at Indian Institute of Spices Research: a
Status Report,
Calicut.
Jha, L.K., 1994. India’s Forest Policies: Analysis and Appraisal, Ashish Publishing House, New Delhi.
1989. Wetlands, Mangroves and Biosphere Reserves, Government of India, New Delhi.
1992. Environment and Development: Traditions, Concerns and Efforts in India-National Report to
UNCED June 1992, Government of India, New Delhi.
1992. National Conservation Strategy and Policy Statement on Environment and Development,
Government of India, New Delhi.
1993. Environment Action Program: India, Government of India, New Delhi.
1996-97. Annual Report, Government of India, New Delhi.
1997. Draft National Action Plan on Biodiversity, Government of India, New Delhi.
1998. India: Sustaining Development, Government of India, New Delhi
1998. GEF Projects in India, Government of India, New Delhi
NBPGR, 1997. National Genebank: Indian Heritage on Plant Genetic Resources,
New Delhi.
News EE, 1997. An ENVIS Newsletter of the Centre for Environment Education. Vol. 3 (5).
Newsletter of the HCM Rajasthan State Institute of Public Administration, 1997. Special issue on Taxonomy
workshop (Feb. 15-16, 1997).
R.S., 1995. Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources in India In: Plant Germplasm Conservation
Approaches (R.S.
et al., eds.). NBPGR, New Delhi
R.S., 1995. The Indian National Gene Bank In
et al., eds.) NBPGR, New Delhi
Resources (R.S.
Exchange and Quarantive of Plant Genetic
Samar Singh, et al, 1997. Participatory Forest Management in West Bengal, WWF-India, New Delhi.
V., 1994 (ed.). Biodiversity Conservation: INTACH.
Sukumar, R., 1996. Project Elephant: Answering a distress call, The Hindu, Survey of the Environment.
Swaminathan, M.S. 1991. From Stockholm to Rio de
MSSRF.
the road to sustainable agriculture. Monograph
Swaminathan, M.S. 1996 (Ed.) Agrobiodiversity and Farmer’s Rights: Technical Consultation on an
implementation framework for farmer’s rights. Proceedings No.14, MSSRF.
Swaminathan, M.S. 1994. A Plant Variety Protection System for India. Working Paper
WWF-India, 1997. Community Biodiversity Conservation Movement: a profile, New Delhi.
58
(B)
1. Acharjyo, L.N., Bhubaneswar.
2.
Bangalore.
3. Bhattacharjee, P.C., Guwahati.
4. C.P.R.Foundation for Environment Education, Chennai.
5. Centre for Ecology and Research, Thanjavur.
6. Centre for Environnmental Education, Ahmedabad.
7. Centre for Medical Education and Administration, Calicut.
8. Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi
9. Coimbatore Zoological Park and Conservation Centre, Coimbatore.
10. Confederation of Indian Industry, Chennai.
11. Conservation of Nature Trust, Calicut.
12. Development Alternatives, New Delhi.
13. ENDEV Society for Environment and Development, Calcutta.
14. EPTRI, Hyderabad.
15. Forest Survey of India, Dehradun.
16. Friends of Trees, Trivandrum.
17. FRLHT, Bangalore.
18. B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development,
19. Gramium, Tiruchirapalli.
20. Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.
21. Indian Institute of Spices Research, Calicut
22. Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research, Mumbai
23. Indo-US Primate Project, Guwahati.
24. Institute for Social and Economic Change, Bangalore.
Jamboji
League, Tiruchirapalli.
26. Karnataka Rajya Vijnana Parishat, Bangalore.
27. Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi.
28. Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishad, Kerala.
29. Kothari, Ashish, Pune
30. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Trivandrum.
3 1. Merlin Nature Club, Bangalore.
32.
New Delhi.
33. Nature Wildlife Conservation Society of Orissa, Bhubanesvar.
34. Orissa Environmental Society, Bhubanesvar.
Rajamani, R., Hyderabad.
36.
WWF, New Delhi.
New Delhi.
37. Rao, Kishore,
38. RASTA, Kerala.
39. Save Nilgiris Campaign, Ootacamund.
40. Tamilnadu Green Movement, Erode.
41. TBGRI, Trivandrum
42. TERI, New Delhi.
43. Venkatachalam, M.M., Chennai.
44. WWF-India, Bangalore.
45. Zoo Outreach Organization, Coimbatore.
59
List of Illustrations
Legend
Page
Front cover
Page 1
Page 3
Page 10
Page 11
Page 11
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Page 15
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20
22
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27
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Page 49
Back cover
Cover
(Background)
Plants in
Boxes
Top Tribal hut in coastal Orissa typically decorated with traditional art
M. V. Ravikumar (MSSRF)
Bottom Indian Tiger in Ranthambore Mohit Aggarwal (Courtesy WWF India
1993)
hill in South India
Traditional system of water harvesting in a
M. V. Ravikumar
R. J. Ranjit Daniels (MSSRF)
Deodar Forests in the Sivalik Himalayas
Elephant herd crossing road in Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary N. Sivaganesan
Captive breed Mugger (Crocodylus palustris) at Madras Crocodile Bank
R. J. Ranjit Daniels
Mating Olive Ridley turtles in Gahirmata Bivash Pandav (WII)
R. Prabhakar
Tribal settlement with agriculture in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
(Institute of Rural Management,
Kurumba women collecting wild tubers in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
R. Prabhakar
an endangered medicinal plant R. J. Ranjit Daniels
Gloriosa
in
Tamil Nadu R.. J. Ranjit Daniels
Traditional farming of
Wild Indian Ducks and goose with captive black swan in lake within Delhi zoo
R. J. Ranjit Daniels
NBPGR
Inside views of National Gene Bank
NBPGR
Genetic diversity in the Indian Egg Plant
NBPGR
Tissue culture of ginger germplasm
NBPGR
A collection of rice landraces
R. Prabhakar
Herding local breed of buffaloes in Tamil Nadu
R. J. Ranjit Daniels
Museum preserved database of Indian Insects
Mangrove vegetation map drawn from digital data obtained by satellite
Blue Sheep in the Greater Himalayas
Raghu Chundawat,
(Courtesy WWF India 1995)
A biodiversity rich wetland in South western India R. J. Ranjit Daniels
King Cobra an endangered reptile M. V. Ravikumar
farming in the Himalayas R. J. Ranjit Daniels
Traditional
R. J. Ranjit Daniels
A sacred grove in the rainforests of the Western Ghats
Ravikumar
Tribal women selecting seeds in Orissa M.
Millet cultivation in traditional
farms in Tamil Nadu R. J. Ranjit Daniels
Genetic diversity in maize NBPGR
sp., Nilgiris R. J. Ranjit Daniels
Courtesy FRLHT
(Printed at : Reliance Printers, Chennai, India.)